Phrase guide

handkerchief tree

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌhæŋkət͡ʃɪf ˈtɹiː/
  • Received-Pronunciation: /-t͡ʃiːf-/
  • General-American: /ˌhæŋkəɹt͡ʃəf ˈtɹi/
  • General-American: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -iː

1

noun

Meaning 1

The dove tree (Davidia involucrata), which has large white bracts said to look like handkerchiefs.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: ghost tree

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

An arrangement of handkerchiefs in the form of a tree, specifically on a stand as a display for sale.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: archaic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From handkerchief + tree.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: nenäliinoista sommiteltu puu — arrangement of handkerchiefs in the form of a tree